An MRI on Tuesday revealed Lee suffered a plantar plate injury, which is essentially a severe case of turf toe. A specialist was still determining Wednesday if season-ending surgery was neccesary. The 26-year-old plans to seek a second opinion before surgery, reports NFL.com and NFL Network's Albert Breer, but both team and player are doubtful it will change anything.

Lee's agent, Mike McCartney, said the expected surgery would take place in the next two weeks and that Lee should make a full recovery. He could be fully healed by February.

"He's really crushed," McCartney said. "But now, it's about helping his fellow linebackers. He's still part of the team."

Lee's loss is a devastating blow to the Cowboys' defense. He had 58 tackles and an interception on the season and is the Cowboys' defensive signal caller. He's an impact player with a nose for the football, and was a dominating presence against the Panthers before his injury.